Are LSI Keywords Relevant for SEO in 2024?

You’ve probably heard that using LSI keywords can boost your rankings. But here’s the truth: Google has moved beyond simple keyword matching. Think about how you search online. You use natural language, right? Google knows this. That’s why you need to add entries on a Google keyword planner with discernable context, without relying on a list of related words. 

Does this mean you should ignore LSI keywords completely? Not quite. They can still help you write more naturally and cover topics fully. But don’t stress about finding every possible related term. Instead, focus on creating clear, helpful content that answers your readers’ questions. That’s what Google really wants to see.

Remember, WordPress SEO isn’t about tricking search engines. It’s about providing value to real people. If you do that well, the rankings will follow. So, while LSI keywords aren’t useless, they’re not the magic SEO tool some claim. Put your energy into understanding your audience and meeting their needs. That’s the real key to SEO success.

The Role of LSI Keywords in SEO Today

LSI keywords aren’t as complicated as they sound. Think of them as the supporting cast to your main keyword. They’re the words and phrases that often show up alongside your primary topic. For example, if you’re writing about baking bread, LSI keywords might include “flour,” “yeast,” “kneading,” and “oven temperature.” These related terms help paint a fuller picture of your content.

Here’s where things get interesting. Despite all the buzz about LSI keywords in SEO circles, Google has actually stated that they don’t use LSI at all. This revelation might come as a surprise to many marketers who’ve been focusing on LSI for years. Instead of LSI, Google uses more advanced semantic analysis to understand content.

Also Read: How to Fix Duplicate Title Tags in WordPress to Improve SEO

Google’s Official Stance

Google’s representatives have clearly stated that they don’t use LSI. This information comes straight from the source, debunking a long-held belief in the SEO community. It’s a reminder that not all popular SEO tactics are based on current facts. Now 2024 is more than half done, and John Mueller of Google has expressed as far back as in 2019 that LSI keywords do not matter.

Why LSI Is Outdated for Search Engines

LSI was developed in the 1980s for much smaller document sets. The internet’s vast scale and constant growth make LSI impractical for modern search engines. Google needs more sophisticated tools to handle the web’s complexity and size.

What Google Uses Instead

Google employs advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms. These tools help Google understand user context, user intent, and the relationships between words and concepts. They’re much more powerful than LSI for interpreting the meaning behind content.

Also Relevant for SEO: Reasons Why Schema Markup is Important for SEO

The Role of Semantic Search

While LSI isn’t used, semantic search is crucial. Google aims to understand the searcher’s intent and the context of queries. This approach goes beyond simple keyword matching to deliver more relevant results.

Also Relevant for Your Understanding:

Qu'est-ce que Google Hummingbird ?

Impact on SEO Strategies

This revelation doesn’t mean related keywords are useless. It does, however, shift the focus from trying to include specific “LSI keywords” to creating comprehensive, context-rich content. The goal is to cover topics thoroughly and naturally.

Le savez-vous ?

Maîtriser WordPress FCSO : Conseils et astuces pour votre site web

The Importance of Staying Updated

This situation highlights why it’s crucial to stay informed about SEO. Best practices evolve as search engines improve. What worked yesterday might not be the best approach today. Always seek information from reliable, up-to-date sources.

Also Read: What Are The Local SEO Best Practices?

Why Related Words Matter

Even though Google doesn’t use LSI specifically, using related words in your content is still valuable. These terms serve multiple purposes that can benefit both your readers and your search engine performance. 

Let’s explore why they’re worth considering in your content strategy:

Improved Content Comprehensiveness

Using related words helps you cover a topic more thoroughly. When you include terms associated with your main topic, you’re likely addressing different aspects and providing more complete information. This depth can make your content more valuable to readers.

Natural Language Processing & Flow

Incorporating related terms makes your writing sound more natural. Instead of repeating the same keyword over and over, you use variations and associated words. This improves readability and keeps your audience engaged.

Find SEO Insights: Critical SEO Trends To Follow 

Better Topic Signaling to Search Engines

While Google doesn’t use LSI, it does analyze content to understand its topic and context. Using related words helps signal to search engines what your content is about, potentially improving its relevance for various searches.

Broader Keyword Targeting

By including related terms, you might rank for a wider range of searches. Someone might use slightly different words to search for the same information, and your content could be relevant for these varied queries.

Une expérience utilisateur améliorée

Content that covers a topic comprehensively, using a range of related terms, is often more useful to readers. It can answer more of their questions and provide a better understanding of the subject.

Alignment with Semantic Search

As search engines move towards understanding meaning rather than just matching keywords, using related words helps your content align with this semantic approach.

Also Find Out: Best Keyword Research Tools (Paid & Free)

How to Use Related Words Effectively

Now that we know related words are important, how do we use them without falling into the trap of keyword stuffing? The key is to approach your content with a focus on quality and comprehensiveness, rather than trying to hit a certain keyword density. 

Here are some practical tips to help you use related words in a way that enhances your content:

Focus on Topic Coverage

Instead of worrying about specific keywords, aim to cover your topic thoroughly. This naturally leads to using related words and phrases.

Write for Your Audience

Think about what information your readers need and what questions they might have. Address these points using natural language.

Use Synonyms and Variations

Don’t stick to one way of expressing an idea. Use different words and phrases to discuss your topic. This improves readability and can help with ranking for different search volumes.

Incorporate Subtopics

Break your main topic into relevant subtopics. This structure often leads to using a variety of related terms as you explore different aspects of the subject.

SEO Error You Must Know How to Fix: ‘Links Do Not Have A Discernible Name’ Error

Leverage User-Generated Questions

Look at forums, Q&A sites, or your own comments section to see what questions people ask about your topic. Addressing these naturally brings in related terms.

Avoid Forced Inclusion

Don’t try to stuff in related words where they don’t fit naturally. If it sounds awkward when you read it aloud, it’s probably forced.

Use Tools for Inspiration, Not Prescription

Keyword tools can give you ideas for related terms, but don’t treat their suggestions as a must-include list. Use them for inspiration to cover your topic more comprehensively.

Discover More: Complete SEO Checklist (Infographic Guide)

Finding Semantic Keywords: A Short Guide

Semantic keywords help Google understand your content better. They’re words and phrases closely related to your main topic. Using them can make your content more useful and help you show up in more searches.

Think of semantic keywords as helpers for your main keyword. If you’re writing about “dogs,” semantic keywords might include “breeds,” “training,” and “pet care.” These words give more context to your topic.

Using semantic keywords isn’t about tricking Google. It’s about covering your topic well. When you do this, you naturally use words that are related to your main idea. This makes your content more helpful for readers and easier for Google to understand.

Here’s how to find and use semantic keywords:

Semantic Keywords for New Content

When you’re starting a new piece of content, follow these steps:

1. Choose your main keyword.
2. Use a tool like Semrush’s SEO Content Template.
3. Enter your keyword and get suggestions for related words.
4. Start writing, keeping these related words in mind.
5. Use the tool’s suggestions to check your work as you go.

This helps you cover your topic fully without overthinking it.

Strategy pointers:

• Don’t force keywords where they don’t fit naturally.
• Focus on answering questions your readers might have.
• Use different words to explain the same ideas.
• Break your topic into smaller parts to cover it well.

Semantic Keywords for Existing Content

For content you’ve already published:

1. Use a tool like Semrush’s On Page SEO Checker.
2. Enter your page and its targeted and researched keyword.
3. The tool will show you related words you might have missed.
4. Look at other suggestions for improving your page too.

Strategy pointers:

• Add missing related words where they make sense.
• Don’t just stuff in keywords – make sure they add value.
• Update your content regularly to keep it fresh and relevant.
• Check how your updated content performs and make more changes if needed.

Conclusion: Tips for Making LSI Keywords a Part of Your SEO Strategy

LSI keywords, or more accurately, semantically related words, still have a place in SEO, but not in the way many once thought. While Google doesn’t use LSI specifically, using related words can help create more comprehensive, natural-sounding content that better serves your readers and aligns with modern search engine algorithms.

Here are some key tips to effectively incorporate related words into your SEO strategy:

• Focus on topics, not keywords – Instead of fixating on specific “LSI keywords,” aim to cover your topic thoroughly. This naturally leads to using a variety of related terms.
• Write for your audience first – Create content that answers your readers’ questions and addresses their needs. This approach often results in the natural use of semantically related words.
• Use tools for inspiration, not rules – Keyword tools can provide ideas for related terms, but don’t treat their suggestions as must-use lists. Use them to spark ideas for comprehensive coverage.
• Incorporate variations and synonyms – Don’t stick to one way of expressing ideas. Use different words and phrases to discuss your topic, improving readability and potentially helping with rankings for various search terms.
• Keep content fresh and updated – Regularly review and update your content to ensure it remains relevant and comprehensive. This can help maintain and improve your search rankings over time.
• Monitor performance and adjust – Pay attention to how your content performs in search results and user engagement. Use this data to refine your approach to using related words and phrases.
• Stay informed about SEO trends – SEO best practices evolve. Stay up-to-date with reliable sources to ensure your strategy aligns with current search engine capabilities and preferences.

Remember, the goal is to create valuable, informative content for your readers. When you do this well, incorporating related words naturally, you’re more likely to satisfy both your audience and search engines. Focus on quality, relevance, and comprehensiveness, and you’ll be on the right track for SEO success in 2024 and beyond.